FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tracy Straight, Executive Director of the Wayne Theatre, Appointed to Board of National Historic Theatre Organization

Waynesboro, VA - Tracy Straight, Executive Director of the historic Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, has been named to the Board of Directors of the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining historic theatres across North America for the benefit of their communities and future generations.

Founded in 1976, the League of Historic American Theatres serves as the professional network for owners, operators, and advocates of historic theatres throughout the United States and Canada. The organization focuses on identifying and sharing the tools, techniques, and technologies required to sustain historic theatres while addressing the unique operational, preservation, and financial challenges they face.

Board members are elected by the League’s membership and represent a wide range of historic theatres in terms of geography, size, and operational structure. Appointment to the board reflects both professional experience and a commitment to advancing the historic theatre field nationally.

Straight’s selection brings representation from the Shenandoah Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia to the League’s leadership. She is currently the only LHAT Board member from Virginia, strengthening the state’s voice in national conversations about historic theatre preservation and sustainability.

“The Wayne Theatre exists and continues to grow because our community believes in the importance of the arts,” said Straight. “Serving on the LHAT Board allows me to share what we have learned in Waynesboro while working alongside theatre leaders from across the country who are committed to sustaining historic theatres for future generations.”

The Wayne Theatre first opened in 1926 and faced significant challenges over its history, including a severe fire in 1980 and closure in 1999. Following years of planning, fundraising, and community advocacy, the theatre reopened on March 1, 2016 as a nonprofit arts organization serving Waynesboro, Augusta County, and the surrounding region.

Since reopening, the Wayne Theatre has presented professional touring performances, supported local and regional artists, and expanded access to arts education through Studio Wayne. More than 14,000 students have participated in education programs serving learners from pre-kindergarten through adulthood. The theatre has welcomed patrons from 33 states and numerous countries, contributing to cultural tourism and economic activity in the region.

“This appointment reflects not only Tracy’s leadership, but the collective commitment of our community to the Wayne Theatre,” said Andy Matherly, Chair of the Wayne Theatre Board of Directors. “Her service on the LHAT Board ensures that the perspective of a community-based nonprofit theatre in Virginia is represented at the national level.”

In 2026, the Wayne Theatre will mark two significant milestones, celebrating its 100th anniversary since its original opening and 10 years since reopening as a restored performing arts organization.

Ken Stein, LHAT President and CEO, stated, “The League of Historic American Theatres represents over 400 theatres nationwide. We are very excited to have Tracy’s voice on our board, in hopes that the industry can learn and grow from the great things happening in the Waynesboro community at the Wayne Theatre.”

“I met Tracy at our historic theatre conference several years ago and have always been impressed with her ability to share best practices with her colleagues from around the nation. On more than one occasion, she has taken a leadership role within the League, helping us to identify opportunities and challenges within the industry. We are so lucky to now have her serving in an official capacity as a board member,” Stein added.

As Executive Director, Straight oversees all aspects of the Wayne Theatre’s operations, programming, education initiatives, and long-term planning. She holds a master’s degree in leadership and supervision from James Madison University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Virginia Tech. Her professional background includes work as a music educator, arts administrator, and community leader.

Straight has been involved with the Wayne Theatre since its earliest days as an organization, serving as a founder of the historic Wayne Theatre project in 1999. She is an active civic leader and currently serves as Secretary of the Shenandoah Valley Tourism Association and President of the Shenandoah Marlins Aquatic Club. She is a Virginia High School League swim official, has served as Chair of the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, is President of the Rotary Club of Waynesboro, and is a member and mentor with the Association of Performing Arts Professionals.

The League of Historic American Theatres supports its members through professional development opportunities, national conferences, and peer-to-peer collaboration. Its members-only LHAT-CHAT Network provides historic theatre operators with access to shared resources, practical guidance, and direct engagement with peers across the continent.

Straight’s appointment to the LHAT Board of Directors underscores the Wayne Theatre’s continued growth and its connection to a national network of historic theatres working to preserve these institutions for future generations.

For more information about the Wayne Theatre, visit waynetheatre.org.

For more information about the League of Historic American Theatres, visit lhat.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

For media assets and interview coordination, contact Shannon Sankar, Standout Arts, LLC (marketing representative for the Wayne Theatre) at media@standoutarts.com or call 540.300.1278.